Plot – CIA agent/hitman Ethan Renner (Costner) is given only months to live by his doctor that sets him forth on a journey to reconnect with his estranged daughter Zooey (Steinfeld) and live out his days as a normal father. Things change however when CIA field op leader Vivi (Heard) offers him an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for doing one last job.

“The longer I was gone, it felt like the harder it was to come back”

Review by Eddie on 13/10/2014

If 3 Days to Kill were a human it would be described quite easily in one word – confused. When a movie is “based on a story by” French action main-stayer Luc Besson it should automatically get you geared up for what to expect but the thing with this latest entry to his action catalogue is it’s not much of anything and when it’s directed by the ever failing McG (seriously who calls themselves that?) all hope is lost that the film can transcend from its Jekyll and Hyde like story.

A nice touch for this action/thriller/family drama/comedy is that is features a lead turn from the once prolific Kevin “The dancer with wolves and the Postman” Costner who despite appearing in the misjudged Man of Steel is here given top billing in a showcase for the aging star to still show us he has charisma and chops to be a leading man. Costner is the films best asset and he does his utmost with some seriously weak scripting and an even weaker story that never once becomes a master of any of its subjects and creates a film lost in the meanderings of mediocrity.

With McG’s substandard direction of most elements of the film, 3 Days to Kill fails at being a thrilling action movie, barely raises a pulse when it tries to thrill, the family drama is all types of cliché and uninteresting and the comedy thuds like Costner on the floor when he gets one of his dizzy spells. The film just can’t juggle any of these strands together well and with a run time that drags out far too long it becomes quite a trek to even get through the picture which is not helped by some extremely daft turns by veteran actress Connie Nelson, the lovely looking yet emotionally challenged Amber Heard and the appearance of True Grit’s very own star Hailee Steinfeild, in a role that down the track will make her cringe – bike lessons with daddy anyone?

3 Days to Kill has nothing within it to suggest people to see it. Fans of Kevin Costner will be the ones most likely finding enjoyment in a picture that despite its credentials and budget, is cheap and nasty virtually everywhere you look. Costner deserves better than this and frankly so does the audience. Kill this one off your to watch list.

Jordan & Eddie recommend:

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October Quote – Blade Runner (1982)

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Quarterly Festival showcasing the best of short films under 5 minutes from around the world. Films get showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and the filmmakers receive an audience feedback video of their short.